A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: Deconflating the Three Types of Publication - Traditional, Hybrid, and Self-Publishing (Relative Costs and Revenue)
It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side.
This week, the topic is one that most first-time authors must confront. Which type of publication is best for him or her? For authors navigating today's publishing landscape, choosing the right path requires more than enthusiasm—it demands clarity. Traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing each carry distinct values, financial models, and degrees of creative control. Let's unpack them, including a critical look at vanity publishing. (Figures given are industry averages based on AI research as of July 2025 availability; note that the publishing industry is volatile--any of the given figures could change considerably as time goes forward.)
📘 TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING
Definition:
An established publisher acquires the manuscript, invests in production, and oversees editorial, design, distribution, and marketing. Authors receive an advance and royalties.
Cost Structure:
- Who pays? The publisher covers all expenses.
- Author earnings: Advance + royalties (typically 10–15% of net)
- Author investment: No direct costs, but substantial time in submissions and platform-building.
Typical Publisher Costs:
- Editing: $2,000–$10,000
- Cover design: $500–$3,000
- Marketing: $5,000–$20,000
- Distribution: Variable
Estimated Total Investment (publisher):
👉 $7,500–$33,000+
📗 HYBRID PUBLISHING (50/50 SHARED INVESTMENT & REVENUE)
Definition:
Hybrid publishing is a true partnership: both the author and publisher invest equally in the book’s production and split the revenue 50/50. According to IBPA standards, reputable hybrid publishers must uphold editorial quality, transparency, and professional distribution.
Cost Structure:
- Who pays? Costs are split 50/50 between author and publisher.
- Author earnings: 50% of net royalties, with full rights retention.
- Publisher earnings: 50% of net royalties, tied to their investment.
Shared Cost Breakdown (Combined):
- Editing: $1,000–$5,000
- Index (if used): $1,100-$1,500
- Cover design: $500–$2,000
- Interior layout: $500–$1,500
- Marketing: $1,000–$5,000+
- Distribution setup: $500–$2,000
Estimated Total Investment (combined):
👉 $4,600–$17,000+
Revenue Share Example:
If a book earns $10,000:
- Author earns: $5,000
- Publisher earns: $5,000
📙 SELF-PUBLISHING
Definition:
The author manages all aspects—either independently or by hiring freelancers. Platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark provide global reach and flexibility.
Cost Structure:
- Who pays? The author pays all costs.
- Author earnings: Highest royalties (up to 70%) and full rights.
- Author investment: Full financial and creative responsibility.
Typical Costs (paid by author):
- Editing: $500–$4,000
- Cover design: $300–$800
- Formatting: $200–$500
- Marketing: $0–$5,000+
- ISBN/barcode: $0–$125
Estimated Total Investment (author):
👉 $1,000–$10,425+
🚫 VANITY PUBLISHING
Definition:
Vanity publishers charge authors to publish without editorial selectivity or meaningful distribution. They may promise prestige or wide reach—but typically profit from fees, not book sales.
Red Flags:
- Inflated service costs with minimal return
- Rights may be restricted or surrendered
- Authors often earn little or nothing on sales
- Minimal marketing and nonexistent distribution
Cost Estimate:
👉 $5,000–$20,000+ (paid by author)
- Revenue: Often minimal
- Control: Limited despite financial outlay
- Quality: Low editorial standards
Key Distinction:
Hybrid publishing involves shared investment and shared success. Vanity publishing involves author investment with minimal publisher commitment.
📦 ADDITIONAL PUBLISHER COSTS: WHAT AUTHORS OFTEN DON'T SEE
Even in hybrid models, publishers absorb a range of direct and indirect costs that rarely appear on author invoices but significantly impact their margins.
📄 Direct Production Costs
- Proofreading galleys and final manuscript: $300–$1,000
- Typesetter corrections (author + publisher): $150–$500
- Uploading files to printer + print-ready prep: $100–$300
- ISBN registration: $125 per title
- LCCN archiving (Library of Congress): 2 physical copies + shipping
- ARCs (Advance Review Copies): $5–$15 per copy + shipping
- Author complimentary copies: $5–$15 per copy + shipping
- Inventory acquisition and storage: $500–$5,000+
- Shipping inventory to distributors or retailers: Variable
🧾 Indirect Business Costs
- Freelance staff (editors, designers, marketers): $25–$100/hr
- Project management and admin support
- Software subscriptions (layout, metadata, CRM): $50–$500/month
- Office overhead (even virtual): rent, insurance, utilities
- State and federal taxes on net revenue
Why It Matters:
These costs reduce publisher profit but not the author’s royalty share. In hybrid publishing, this is why a 50/50 revenue split is fair—publishers are investing in infrastructure, compliance, and quality assurance that authors benefit from without bearing the full burden.
🧮 At-a-Glance Comparison
Model | Who Pays? | Total Cost Estimate | Royalties to Author | Creative Control | Editorial Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Traditional | Publisher | $7,500–$33,000+ | 10–15% | Low | High |
Hybrid | Author & Publisher | $4,600–$17,000+ | 50% | Moderate | Moderate–High |
Self-Publishing | Author | $1,000–$10,425+ | 40–70% | High | Variable |
Vanity Publishing | Author | $5,000–$20,000+ | Often minimal | Low | Low |
Each type of publication has advantages and disadvantages. It is not possible to say which is best. It depends upon the author, the author's temperament and need for control, the author's financial situation, and the author's platform and name recognition (without which traditional publishing is not generally a reasonable goal and sometimes even hybrid publication is out of reach).
🧠Publishing Paths: Pros and Cons
Publishing Model | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Traditional Publishing | ✅ Expert editorial and design guidance | ❌ Limited creative control |
Hybrid Publishing | ✅ Shared investment can mean personalized support | ❌ Author usually pays upfront |
Self-Publishing | ✅ Full creative control | ❌ Risk of amateur mistakes |
Bottom line: Choosing the right publication path hinges on the relative importance among cost. control, revenue, and prestige and what is most important to an author: cost is lowest with traditional publication (and so are control and royalties) while prestige is highest; cost is generally higher (for the same level of quality) with self-publishing (and so are control and royalties) while prestige is generally lowest (but not for authors who have already have a reputation in publishing or other fields).
The Tuesday talks reflect real discussions between the management of MSI Press LLC and our own authors or those would-be authors who come through our doors but don't make the cut--yet. If you have a topic that you would like addressed, leave the question in the comment section. Chances are, in our 22 years of publishing first-time and experiences authors, we have had a conversation with one of our authors that we can share with you.
See more Publisher Conversations with Authors HERE.
Learn more about publishing from an acquisitions editor -- how to get your book proposal accepted, why proposals are turned down/accepted, and how to find the right publisher for your book. On special sale for $5 while inventory lasts at MSI Press webstore. Also available as an e-book and an audiobook.
To purchase copies of any MSI Press book at 25% discount,
use code FF25 at MSI Press webstore.
Want to read an MSI Press book and not have to pay for it?
(1) Ask your local library to purchase and shelve it.
(2) Ask us for a review copy; we love to have our books reviewed.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL OUR AUTHORS AND TITLES.
(recent releases, sales/discounts, awards, reviews, Amazon top 100 list, author advice, and more -- stay up to date)Check out recent issues.
Interested in publishing with MSI Press LLC?
Turn your manuscript into a book!
Check out information on how to submit a proposal.
We help writers become award-winning published authors. One writer at a time. We are a family, not a factory. Do you have a future with us?
Turned away by other publishers because you are a first-time author and/or do not have a strong platform yet? If you have a strong manuscript, San Juan Books, our hybrid publishing division, may be able to help.
Planning on self-publishing and don't know where to start? Our author au pair services will mentor you through the process.
Interested in receiving a free copy of this or any MSI Press LLC book in exchange for reviewing a current or forthcoming MSI Press LLC book? Contact editor@msipress.com.
Want an author-signed copy of this book? Purchase the book at 25% discount (use coupon code FF25) and concurrently send a written request to orders@msipress.com.Julia Aziz, signing her book, Lessons of Labor, at an event at Book People in Austin, Texas.
Want to communicate with one of our authors? You can! Find their contact information on our Authors' Pages.Steven Greenebaum, author of award-winning books, An Afternoon's Discussion and One Family: Indivisible, talking to a reader at Barnes & Noble in Gilroy, California.MSI Press is ranked among the top publishers in California.
Check out our rankings -- and more -- HERE.
Comments
Post a Comment